This is the ninth book in the series and just as enjoyable as the others. This is a good realistic police investigation which kept my attention throughout. I certainly hope there is another book in the series to follow

Book 9 in the DI Clare Mackay series. This series has got better and better with each book ! The storylines are gripping and have so many twists and turns. Fast becoming one of my favourite authors and series

Marion Tood delivers another page turned I couldn't put down.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Dead Man's Shoes was a thrilling ride from start to finish. DI Clare Mackay is a compelling character—strong, determined, but also deeply human, which made her struggles in the case feel so real. The mystery surrounding the Choker killer had me on edge, and the twists in the investigation were gripping. I really enjoyed how the story blended police procedural with high-stakes tension.

The pacing was great, though there were a few moments where the action slowed down a bit, but those were quickly picked up by new revelations. Clare's blindspots added an interesting layer to her character, making the stakes feel even higher. Overall, I couldn't put this one down, and I’m excited to see what happens next in the series.

Excellent twisty storyline.
Keeps you guessing right to the end.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review

DCI Ben Ratcliffe is working his ongoing case to catch the choker, a serial killer targeting gay men up and down the country, and intelligence tells him he’s headed north across the border, DI Clare Mackay find themselves drafted in to help. Since he is apparently on her patch, and knowing the area so well they were the natural choice. When a young man is discovered with the same injuries, the team assume it to be the work of the choker. Further investigations reveal the victim has links to known illegal gangs in the area so does this mean he might not be the choker’s latest victim? When more people close to the young man start getting attacked it soon becomes clear that there’s more to this than meets the eye. Can Clare and the team solve this mystery before any more bodies turn up without her risking everything in the process? Wow 🤩 this was another brilliant instalment to the series! It’s so great catching up with Clare and the team again (and the DCI of course gets more desirable as the books go on!!) As always Marion writes beautifully, with the plot all coming together perfectly! This book had me on the edge of my seat and flipping the pages at lightning speed to find out what was going to happen next! Great storyline really enjoyed it!! If you love a good Scottish thriller then this is the series for you! Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my review

Reading this was like revisiting old friends. I wanted to know what they had been up to and how was life treating them. There is an ending to one of the strands from previous books. There is also some progress in more than one relationship. Another solid episode in a consistently good series.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an excellent addition to this popular series. It is well-written and has plenty of surprises. It's a little slow in places, but a good read nonetheless.

Dead Man’s Shoes by Marion Todd is the ninth novel in this consistently good series featuring Detective Clare Mackay.
Clare gets a visit from an old colleague who has police intelligence that a prolific serial killer has moved into the St Andrews area, hence Clare’s patch. This particular serial killer only targets men and has been nicknamed “The Choker”, because he tortures his victims, then chokes them to death with a chain. Intelligence has yielded that the protagonist uses a white van and could possibly be a painter or decorator
Unfortunately, before Claire’s investigations have got off the ground, a young man is found strangled in woodland. Claire wonders if she could have prevented the death, but then she is unsure if the victim is The Choker’s chosen target or is there another reason for his death.
What follows is a case of utmost complexity and painstaking police inquiries. I like Marion Todd’s writing a lot. She creates a really authentic police procedural and the intricate teamwork that goes into a major investigation.
The only downside in the book is the relationship between Claire and Alistair Gibson, her partner. I don’t find them believable at all. Still, this is a minor hiccup in a well-crafted story and series.
My thanks to NetGalley, Marion Todd and especially Canelo for the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

A young man is found dead near a nightclub. He has marks on his neck, the signature of the Choker, a killer who has been targeting gay men across the country. Now, it seems he's in DI Clare Mackay’s territory. She discovers this victim has links to notorious criminals in the area. More men, including ones linked to the victim, are attacked and left injured. It’s only a matter of time before someone else is killed.
The ninth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’m a lover of series & have to start from the beginning so I can see how relationships develop & the dynamics between them. Another well written, well paced book that I read in a couple of sittings. I really like Clare & like how she’s becomes involved in each new case, she does try to balance her work & her home life but once she’s deep into a case her home life gets put on the back burner. The case is intriguing & there are twists & turns, some of which were surprising & had me on the edge of my seat. A very enjoyable book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

well this author has done it again..... a captivating book that you cant put down until you finish it....

murder, abductions and threats this book has it all oh and a couple of thugs

D.I claire mackay is up against it when a body turns up. identification is made and the family are distraught.... could it really be a case of mistaken identity as the case unravels and the perps hide in plain sight it takes a lot out of claire and her team to bring it back together

what a read... cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series....

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Dead Man's Shoes" by Marion Todd is a finely-crafted gem that gleams brightly in the treasure trove of crime fiction. The narrative is an adrenaline-pumping blend of intricate plotting, compelling characters, and atmospheric tension, making it a riveting read from start to finish.

Todd masterfully constructs the world of DI Clare Mackay, a detective whose depth of character is rivaled only by the depth of the mysteries she seeks to unravel. Mackay is a character you root for; her tenacity, intelligence, and moments of vulnerability bring authenticity to her role and make her relatable on many levels.

The plot begins with a bang and never loses its momentum. Todd's storytelling prowess ensures that each twist and turn is both unexpected and seamlessly integrated into the narrative fabric. The suspense is palpable, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, Todd deftly subverts expectations, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

What sets "Dead Man's Shoes" apart is Todd's ability to evoke a strong sense of place. The Scottish setting is vividly brought to life with meticulous detail, adding another layer of immersion. You can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the whispers of the wind as they carry secrets through the small town.

Moreover, Todd's prose is crisp and evocative, striking a perfect balance between description and action. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the story never drags and that each scene contributes meaningfully to the unfolding mystery.

"Dead Man's Shoes" is a stellar addition to the crime genre. It entertains while engaging the reader's mind, making it a must-read for fans of compelling detective fiction. Marion Todd has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page is turned, and I eagerly await DI Clare Mackay's next adventure.

Slipping back into DI Clare McKay’s world is a little bit like trying on a new pair of slippers. You know that they will be comfortable eventually, but you need to overcome some pain to get there. Probably not the best way to express myself, but I know exactly what I mean.
Called to a top-secret meeting with the Dundee brass, Clare is told that a prolific serial killer is headed her way and that she needs to be aware of what is happening and to be alert to the potential danger posed to the local gay community.
Clare McKay is one of my favourite detectives, and I thoroughly enjoy Marion Todd’s police procedural stories. The way the layers fall away to reveal more twists than an Axminster carpet, keeps me gripped with each turn of the page. The reader is kept apace of the investigation but gets no chance to get ahead of the story as the jeopardy builds at a persistent pace. Familiar names are in the mix, and it’s easy to see that Clare will be entrenched in her determination to bring a long-time adversary to justice, but at what cost?
Drilling down on the characters in this book led me to examine Clare and try to get a clearer insight into her drivers. Whilst it’s clear that she is a police officer first and foremost, for the first time, I saw a level of jadedness that had me worried. Clare seemed disillusioned with the path to justice and perhaps was questioning her commitment to her badge. Of course, she was still supported by the best team, and her relationships seemed stronger than ever. I honestly feel that this may be my favourite instalment in this franchise, and I look forward to Clare’s next adventure.

Another great addition to this series . Clare Mackay is working on the investigation into the death of a young man near a nightclub. She is joined by another DI looking into a serial killer who has been strangling young men. At foirst appearances, this case may be related . Fast-paced action and meticulous forensic investigation with a couple of twists in the plot along the way. Clare is busy, so has less time for her home life and also sustains an injury. Plenty of gritty description of the criminal underworld. A satisfying read .
Thanks to NeT Galley for the ARC

An enjoyable 9th book in the DI Clare Mackay series, wrapping up one subplot and introducing another one to tease us into hopefully book 10! This one saw a lot of little threads overlap so that I think it benefits from reading fairly quickly to keep on top of it all - but with Marion’s writing, that’s far from a hardship. I’d recommend the series to anyone who likes their noir in tartan colour!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Detective Clare MacKay #9

There's a serial killer that's targeting gay men. He's been nicknamed The Choker as he drugs and rapes his victims then strangles them with a chain. Police intelligence believes he is targeting the St. Andrews area next.All they know about him is that he might be a painter and decorator., and he drives a white van. DI Clare MacKay and her team are setting up a widespread l team in the hope of capturing the person responsible.

The pace is steady in this twisted and well-written read. People who have read all the books in this series will be familiar with DI MacKay and her team. It's action-packed, and we learn more of Clare's background and her struggles dealing with her elderly parents. This is a good addition to the series.

Published 0th January 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #MarionTodd for my ARC of #DeadMansShoes in exchange for an honest review.

Another eagerly awaited installment in DI Clare Mackay's police career. This book is interesting as it follows a series of attacks on gay young men in the North of England and also we see the reappearance of an old friend, teflon coated Big Val Docherty. We see a bit more of Clare's personal life with her patents and Al (The DCI) and the beginnings of how the late nights and physical nature of the job take their toll. Her team are brilliant, supportive and Chris is hilarious as usual. Absolutely brilliant, as usual, and now we will await no.10 next year I guess?
I was left with one question though- I couldn't see any connection to the book title and wondered if I have missed something?

Excellent tension & suspense😯

This is one of my favorite police investigative series and just keeps going at a high standard. Here St. Andrews DI Clare Mackay and her team start the story poised to nab a serial killer of young gay men moving around in the UK and end up untangling a local crime streak that results in kidnapping and murder. It's fast paced and I was totally engaged beginning to end. Clare and her whole team are dedicated and work so well together.

I usually prefer this genre with focus on the crime investigation and limited input about the characters' private lives. But not here. Clare's escalating problem with work life balance and its effect on her relationship with Al had me worried and added to the suspense.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

I’ve been waiting patiently for the next instalment in the Clare Mackay series, and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed! Thanks NetGalley for the advance reading, in return for my review!

Just when you think there can’t be any crime left in St Andrews that the intrepid Clare hasn’t already dealt with, along comes a man in a van from down south, and Clare and her team spring into action! I enjoyed the is it/ isn’t it part of whether the ‘anticipated’ crime had been committed, showing that things aren’t always as they seem, along with the pursuit of who they home is the right man.

Again, I love the reference to local areas I know about- I do wonder if this is a huge part of the appeal of the books for me, and whether anyone reading who isn’t local, has that same investment, but either way, I can’t wait to see what Clare is up to next!

It is wonderful to catch up with Clare, partner DCI Alistair Gibson, Benjy their dog and Clare's team - Chris, Sara, Max, Robbie and Gillian at the police station based in St Andrews, Fife. One morning, Clare is called to a meeting with Superintendent Penny Meakin, where DCI Ben Ratcliffe is also waiting. We learn there is a serial offender making their way up to St Andrews. Clare and Ben join forces along with her team to stop any crime occurring. All I know is this was a fast paced, police procedural that was filled with a few nail biting moments and lots of twists and turns. The team grows stronger in their dynamic and you see how much they rely on each other to get through the crime ridden days.